News

Rochester, N.H. – Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc., a Smith & Wesson company, announced that it will introduce a new Encore® handgun package as part of the Larry Weishuhn Signature Series at the 2010 National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meeting and Exhibits taking place May 14-16 in Charlotte, North Carolina. During the NRA convention, the widely recognized Thompson/Center professional hunter, credited writer and television personality will be on hand to promote the new pistol as well as talk one-on-one with attendees and fans.

As one of the world’s most respected wildlife biologists, Weishuhn has amassed a lifetime of knowledge regarding management programs, hunting tactics and general firearms data. Dubbed “Mr. Whitetail” by his colleagues and friends, Weishuhn is a leading authority in the industry on the research, management, hunting of white-tailed deer, as well as the promotion of the species and their habitat. An award winning and internationally acclaimed author, he has penned over 2,500 feature articles and numerous books for many of the industry’s largest publications. Through his personal adventures and on-screen excursions, Weishuhn has pursued game animals across the globe bringing his enthusiasm for the sport with him on every adventure. When not on the range or in the field, Weishuhn devotes his time and talents to numerous organizations, helping hunters and landowners learn more about managing and harvesting the bucks of their dreams.

“When it comes to individuals in the hunting and shooting community, few do it better than Larry Weishuhn,” said Tom Kelly, Vice President of Marketing for Thompson/Center Arms. “Not only is Larry a human database on whitetail genetics, game management, hunting and general firearms information, but he is also one of the most likeable people in the industry. By just spending a few minutes with Larry, it’s hard not to get caught up in the passion he brings to his profession. Never without a smile, Larry goes above and beyond working with kids and veteran hunters alike so that they can better understand and appreciate the principals of nature.”

In 1995, Weishuhn entered into a love affair with what is today one of Thompson/Center’s most popular firearms – the Encore. Fresh off the assembly line, the Encore had yet to be announced to the general public when Weishuhn encountered the firearm for the first time. In Weishuhn’s own words, it was love at first sight and both he and the Encore have been faithful to each other ever since. Since that first encounter, Weishuhn has used the Encore on a wide variety of game in numerous countries around the globe. Today, some 14 years later, Thompson/Center has given both the firearm and Weishuhn the credit they deserve with the introduction of the Larry Weishuhn Signature Series Encore pistol.

The new Encore pistol bears Weishuhn’s signature on the right side of the blued receiver along with his personal antler logo created in gold inlay. The esthetically pleasing handgun remains true to its original platform with its single-shot break open design and interchangeable barrel capabilities. The blued frame Encore® Pro Hunter™ is chambered in .308 and is standard with a 15-inch blued barrel with fluting. As part of the package, each Encore pistol will be shipped with a new Nikon Encore pistol scope, Pachmayr® grips and a soft carrying case. The pistol features Thompson/Center’s patented automatic hammer block safety with bolt interlock and a highly accurate precision barrel. The Larry Weishuhn Signature Series package will have an MSRP of $1,199.

“It has been a very satisfying and rewarding experience to work with Thompson/Center on the creation of this new Encore Pro Hunter series,” said Larry Weishuhn. “To my way of thinking, there is no finer hunting gun in the world, regardless of whether it is used as a rifle, muzzleloader, pistol or shotgun. My favorite firearm of choice has and always will be the Encore. It has served as a faithful companion on more hunting trips than I can count and there is no better feeling than to talk with fellow hunters who use the Encore and hold it in the same esteem that I do.”

Throughout the three-day NRA convention, Weishuhn will be in the Thompson/Center booth talking with patrons and fans about the new Encore Pro Hunter pistol. Those in attendance are encouraged to stop by the Thompson/Center booth to speak with “Mr. Whitetail” himself and learn more about the latest Thompson/Center introduction. The Thompson/Center booth (#1519) will be located in the main hall of the Charlotte Convention Center.